The shuffle match drew a bigger crowd than expected. People wanted spectacle—new combinations, strange pairings. But when Ren's name lit up beside Maria Luz on the holo-board, the buzz turned into a roar.
"Eh? Him again?"
"Maria's partner? That substitute guy?"
"This will be good—or a disaster."
Ren stood at the baseline, hands clammy on the Fallen Star. His HUD blinked nervously:
[Team Sync (Maria): 10]
Ten? That's... lower than with Shizuka. Of course it is. We barely know each other.
Maria bounced on her toes, racket twirling in her hand, every move theatrical. She leaned toward Ren, whispering loud enough for the cameras.
"Don't worry, chico. Just follow my rhythm. When I clap, you move. When I wink, you swing."
Ren almost dropped his racket. "W-wink?! That's not a real signal!"
Maria's grin widened. "It is now."
Across the net, their opponents smirked—a solid Rank 180 pair, famous for sharp angles and relentless net rush.
The first rally began. As expected, the opponents targeted Ren mercilessly, driving balls at his feet. Ren scrambled, fumbling the first two points.
The crowd chuckled.
"See? Dead weight."
"Maria's carrying again."
Maria just laughed, intercepting with a dazzling lob. "Focus, chico! Listen to the dance!"
She slapped the court with her shoe—one, two. Ren blinked. Is... is that a rhythm?
The next ball came at him. Maria's shoe tapped once—Ren stepped left. The shot hit his strings, and for once, didn't die. He pushed it crosscourt. Maria closed in with a lightning volley—point won.
HUD blinked:
[Team Sync (Maria): 10 → 13]
Ren's eyes widened. It's working?
Maria spun on her heel, eyes gleaming. "¡Sí! That's it! You're catching fire!"
The second set got louder. Maria's Flamenco Smash dazzled as always, but now Ren's reflex blocks and awkward yet well-timed touches kept the rallies alive longer than anyone expected.
By the fifth game, Ren was even calling: "Body serve—watch!" Maria adjusted mid-motion, drilling a return into open space.
[Team Sync (Maria): 13 → 15 → 17.]
The crowd roared. Even the commentators were caught off guard.
Ayaka's voice rang out: "Unbelievable! The Substitute Messiah is syncing... with Maria Luz herself!"
On the bench, Shizuka's knuckles whitened around her racket. Her voice was low but sharp. "...Ridiculous. He's not even supposed to—" She cut herself off, jaw tight.
Final rally: Maria lobbed, forcing a smash attempt. Ren stepped forward, bracing, HUD flashing: [Iron Block — Active]. He absorbed, redirected. Maria swept in—Flamenco Smash! Point sealed.
The match ended 6–4. The crowd was on their feet, clapping and laughing.
Maria pulled Ren close, arm hooking his shoulders. "See? My chico can dance after all!"
Ren sputtered, face red. W-what dance?! I just survived!
The HUD pulsed one last time:
[Team Sync (Maria): 19]
Maria lifting Ren's arm for the crowd, her smile bright as flame, while Shizuka watches from the shadows, eyes sharp as ice.
Why does it feel like the real match... is happening off the court?